System Assistant (Removal Instructions) - Easy Removal Guide
System Assistant Removal Guide
What is System Assistant?
System Assistant is a rogue system optimizer that displays pre-determined search results to make people purchase its license
System Assistant is a legitimate, though highly questionable, PC optimization utility by SoftCity and Smart PC Solutions, Inc. Cybersecurity experts have recently included it in the category of the potentially unwanted programs (PUP) since it started exhibiting suspicious activities on a host computer. Close analysis of the program revealed that this so-called system optimizer displays false positive[1] scan results to scare people into thinking that their machines are heavily polluted by viruses like Trojans, spyware, and keyloggers. However, this optimizer itself is related to heuristic detection names like Riskware/SafeCleaner, PUP.Optional.Avanquest, and PUA: Win32/SpeedingUpMy PC.
This potentially unwanted program can be considered a System Assistant virus because it infiltrates PCs via software bundlers like download managers, free games or software updates. It spreads as a pre-checked component, which can only be opted-out by selecting Advanced or Custom installation options. The installer itself adds an icon in the taskbar, start menu, and desktop. The main installer ends up in the C:\Program Files (x86)\System Assistant. Upon successful infiltration, the System Assistant virus creates a Scheduled Task C:\Program Files (x86)\System Assitant\SANotifications.exe, which launches the scanner on a regular basis.
| NAME | System Assistant |
| Developers | SoftCity and Smart PC Solutions, Inc. |
| Classification | Potentially unwanted program (PUP), rogue system tools |
| Distribution | It has the official website and can be downloaded directly. However, it is also distributed via software bundles and the vast majority of downloads are indirect. The program is installed by default after leaving it as a pre-checked component of a freeware[2]. |
| Symptoms | The tool stars launching its fake scanners once inside the system. The tool displays exaggerated scan results, which may include both system errors and malicious entries. The installed free version cannot fix the alleged issues, therefore, the user is continuously urged to pay for the license. |
| AV detection | RiskWare:Win32/SafeCleaner.158c515a, Hoax.Win32.SafeCleaner.ax, PUA:Win32/SpeedingUpMyPC, PUP.Optional.Avanquest, PUA.Avanquest!8.1070F (CLOUD) |
| Removal options | Reputable AV engines recognize System Assistant as a PUP or virus and can successfully eliminate it alongside its bundle. The misleading optimizer can also be removed manually from the Applications folder. |
| Damage repair | System Assistant removal does not ensure a full system's repair. Fake optimization tools like this can have a huge impact on Windows registries, startup programs, Windows startup, files, and others. FortectIntego is a tool that can help you to fix any damage left after a malware infection. |
Despite being misleading, System Assistant malware may attract people’s attention due to a vividly described features. On the official website, it is represented as a remover of potential privacy risks and PC cleaner capable of regaining hard disk space, as well as eliminating PC’s activity logs, unusual files, settings, and chat histories. However, the application can hardly be considered powerful since. It seems to be shareware that has a predefined virus database and a very limited “knowledge” of the Windows system. Therefore, its scanner can actually do nothing except to slow down PC’s performance and regularly remind you that you have to pay for a license key.
System Assistant is actively promoted via freeware and shareware with an intention to spread free trial versions of the utility as widely as possible. Once the free version reaches a host machine, it creates a scheduled task and keeps scanning the system with an alleged intent – to boost its performance. Even though it may load a scanner and imitate research, the scanner does an ostensible procedure during which the system is neither checked for malware, not the system’s nonconformities. The scan typically ends up with a full list of possible improvements and contains a list of PUPs and malware.
Despite the fact of how bad the System Assistant virus scan results may be, the program will fix the situation as long as the full version won’t be installed. A free trial, as notified on the official website of the tool, is only as powerful as nothing, as it supposed to “Clean up disk space|” and “Remove potential privacy risks.” All the other packages of features, including system maintenance, boosting startup speed, removal of duplicate files, shred, and similar has to be purchased. One month subscription costs 9.99 Eur, while 1 month costs 36 Eur. It’s up to you whether its expensive or not, but we do not recommend paying the money for a tool that promises much and does very little.
Aside from misleading features and unfulfilled promises, the System Assistant virus may be involved in privacy-related issues. The application seems to be filled with tracking cookies used to collect non-personal information like IP address, approximate geo-location, web browsing history, search queries, and similar. If you are currently using this program, open Task Manager and check if the CookieExclusions.exe is on the list. This executable may be responsible for continuous registration of web browsing-related activities and regular transmission of collected information to remote servers. Although it can hardly reach credit card details or other personal information, however some details that you probably don’t want to disclose to the third party may be leaked. As stated in the System Assistant Privacy Policy:
“Personal Information” which means information that normally identifies you as a natural person, or that may be used, either alone or in combination with other information, to personally identify you as an individual. Such information may include a first and last name, an email address, phone number, a home or other physical address, and other contact information. In addition, in some jurisdictions (like the EU for example) and given the specific use we make with the information, IP address that your Internet service provider allocates for your device, may also be considered as Personal Information.
“Non-Personal Information” which means information that cannot personally identify or lead to identifying a natural person. For example, statistics or aggregated information.
If you have started noticing ongoing system scans, System Assistant removal is the only way to stop them. As pointed out before, this optimization tool can hardly improve your PC's performance as its sole intention is to infiltrate PCs unnoticed and then insist on buying its paid version.
Luckily, it's not difficult to remove System Assistant virus from the system. Its main installer can be eliminated like any other application. A bigger problem is the changes that it may initiate on the system. This rogue optimizer may corrupt some registry entries, delete some of the core system's files, compromise startup programs, and similar. Therefore, upon System Assistant removal you should use a powerful repair utility to fix the damage. We recommend relying on FortectIntego.
Strategies used to spread PUPs around
Potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), including adware, browser hijacker, and rogue system optimizers, often have their official websites and can be installed intentionally by clicking on a direct download link. However, practice shows that these websites are seldom visited and downloads are initiated even less frequently.
Consequently, developers tend to misuse software bundlers, which are also known as freeware and shareware. The owners of freeware download websites make an agreement with PUP developers to spread unwanted programs alongside well-requested applications in exchange for commission fees. Consequently, a free application, such as a download manager, a popular game, video streaming software or any other program may disguise more than one PUP under Quick or Basic installation.
Since people tend to install programs in a hurry, they often forget the risk of bundles and opt for Quick installation, which does not disclose PUPs. Quick/Basic installation is an implicit user's consent to install the bundle. To prevent that, it's a must to opt for Advanced installation, which discloses more installation setup windows and enabled users to remove checkmarks saying that he or she agrees with the installation of additional installers.
System Assistant removal methods
People who have been tricked to install this application will be able to easily remove the System Assistant virus from Windows. You have to access Control Panel, locate the application under the Applications folder, click on it, and select Remove. Then follow the on-screen and finish the process.
If the program emerged on the system out of nowhere, which means that you were tricked into downloading a software bundle, you will have to take some extra steps to ensure full PUP removal. Carefully check the list of programs and eliminate each one that raises suspicions. Besides, open your web browser – the one that is set by default at the moment, and disable unfamiliar add-ons and plug-ins.
To speed up System Assistant removal you can use a professional anti-malware program. According to VirusTotal[3], most of the reputable AV engines are capable of detecting this malware.
You may remove virus damage with a help of FortectIntego. SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner and Malwarebytes are recommended to detect potentially unwanted programs and viruses with all their files and registry entries that are related to them.
Getting rid of System Assistant. Follow these steps
Uninstall from Windows
System Assistant is compatible with Windows. It has the main installer and a bunch of additional files that can be eliminated in this way:
Instructions for Windows 10/8 machines:
- Enter Control Panel into Windows search box and hit Enter or click on the search result.
- Under Programs, select Uninstall a program.
- From the list, find the entry of the suspicious program.
- Right-click on the application and select Uninstall.
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
- Wait till uninstallation process is complete and click OK.
If you are Windows 7/XP user, proceed with the following instructions:
- Click on Windows Start > Control Panel located on the right pane (if you are Windows XP user, click on Add/Remove Programs).
- In Control Panel, select Programs > Uninstall a program.
- Pick the unwanted application by clicking on it once.
- At the top, click Uninstall/Change.
- In the confirmation prompt, pick Yes.
- Click OK once the removal process is finished.
Delete from macOS
Remove items from Applications folder:
- From the menu bar, select Go > Applications.
- In the Applications folder, look for all related entries.
- Click on the app and drag it to Trash (or right-click and pick Move to Trash)
To fully remove an unwanted app, you need to access Application Support, LaunchAgents, and LaunchDaemons folders and delete relevant files:
- Select Go > Go to Folder.
- Enter /Library/Application Support and click Go or press Enter.
- In the Application Support folder, look for any dubious entries and then delete them.
- Now enter /Library/LaunchAgents and /Library/LaunchDaemons folders the same way and terminate all the related .plist files.
Remove from Microsoft Edge
In case you ran into this rogue optimizer after installing a freeware bundle, we strongly recommend you to initiate a thorough web browser's restore.
Delete unwanted extensions from MS Edge:
- Select Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and pick Extensions.
- From the list, pick the extension and click on the Gear icon.
- Click on Uninstall at the bottom.
Clear cookies and other browser data:
- Click on the Menu (three horizontal dots at the top-right of the browser window) and select Privacy & security.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Select everything (apart from passwords, although you might want to include Media licenses as well, if applicable) and click on Clear.
Restore new tab and homepage settings:
- Click the menu icon and choose Settings.
- Then find On startup section.
- Click Disable if you found any suspicious domain.
Reset MS Edge if the above steps did not work:
- Press on Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on More details arrow at the bottom of the window.
- Select Details tab.
- Now scroll down and locate every entry with Microsoft Edge name in it. Right-click on each of them and select End Task to stop MS Edge from running.
If this solution failed to help you, you need to use an advanced Edge reset method. Note that you need to backup your data before proceeding.
- Find the following folder on your computer: C:\\Users\\%username%\\AppData\\Local\\Packages\\Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge_8wekyb3d8bbwe.
- Press Ctrl + A on your keyboard to select all folders.
- Right-click on them and pick Delete
- Now right-click on the Start button and pick Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- When the new window opens, copy and paste the following command, and then press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers -Name Microsoft.MicrosoftEdge | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\\AppXManifest.xml” -Verbose
Instructions for Chromium-based Edge
Delete extensions from MS Edge (Chromium):
- Open Edge and click select Settings > Extensions.
- Delete unwanted extensions by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and site data:
- Click on Menu and go to Settings.
- Select Privacy, search and services.
- Under Clear browsing data, pick Choose what to clear.
- Under Time range, pick All time.
- Select Clear now.
Reset Chromium-based MS Edge:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- On the left side, pick Reset settings.
- Select Restore settings to their default values.
- Confirm with Reset.
Remove from Mozilla Firefox (FF)
Remove dangerous extensions:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click on the Menu (three horizontal lines at the top-right of the window).
- Select Add-ons.
- In here, select unwanted plugin and click Remove.
Reset the homepage:
- Click three horizontal lines at the top right corner to open the menu.
- Choose Options.
- Under Home options, enter your preferred site that will open every time you newly open the Mozilla Firefox.
Clear cookies and site data:
- Click Menu and pick Settings.
- Go to Privacy & Security section.
- Scroll down to locate Cookies and Site Data.
- Click on Clear Data…
- Select Cookies and Site Data, as well as Cached Web Content and press Clear.
Reset Mozilla Firefox
If clearing the browser as explained above did not help, reset Mozilla Firefox:
- Open Mozilla Firefox browser and click the Menu.
- Go to Help and then choose Troubleshooting Information.
- Under Give Firefox a tune up section, click on Refresh Firefox…
- Once the pop-up shows up, confirm the action by pressing on Refresh Firefox.
Remove from Google Chrome
If you started seeing fake System Assistant scanners and found Google Chrome's settings compromised at the same time, you must have installed a freeware bundle with a rogue optimizer and browser hijacker appended. To eliminate a hijacker from Chrome, follow this guide:
Delete malicious extensions from Google Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome, click on the Menu (three vertical dots at the top-right corner) and select More tools > Extensions.
- In the newly opened window, you will see all the installed extensions. Uninstall all the suspicious plugins that might be related to the unwanted program by clicking Remove.
Clear cache and web data from Chrome:
- Click on Menu and pick Settings.
- Under Privacy and security, select Clear browsing data.
- Select Browsing history, Cookies and other site data, as well as Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
Change your homepage:
- Click menu and choose Settings.
- Look for a suspicious site in the On startup section.
- Click on Open a specific or set of pages and click on three dots to find the Remove option.
Reset Google Chrome:
If the previous methods did not help you, reset Google Chrome to eliminate all the unwanted components:
- Click on Menu and select Settings.
- In the Settings, scroll down and click Advanced.
- Scroll down and locate Reset and clean up section.
- Now click Restore settings to their original defaults.
- Confirm with Reset settings.
Delete from Safari
Remove unwanted extensions from Safari:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- In the new window, pick Extensions.
- Select the unwanted extension and select Uninstall.
Clear cookies and other website data from Safari:
- Click Safari > Clear History…
- From the drop-down menu under Clear, pick all history.
- Confirm with Clear History.
Reset Safari if the above-mentioned steps did not help you:
- Click Safari > Preferences…
- Go to Advanced tab.
- Tick the Show Develop menu in menu bar.
- From the menu bar, click Develop, and then select Empty Caches.
After uninstalling this potentially unwanted program (PUP) and fixing each of your web browsers, we recommend you to scan your PC system with a reputable anti-spyware. This will help you to get rid of System Assistant registry traces and will also identify related parasites or possible malware infections on your computer. For that you can use our top-rated malware remover: FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes.
How to prevent from getting system tools
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
If this free guide helped you and you are satisfied with our service, please consider making a donation to keep this service alive. Even a smallest amount will be appreciated.
- ^ Patrick Bayle. What Constitutes a False Positive?. Threat Vector. Security Software Developers.
- ^ Liam Tung. Google: Unwanted bundled software is way more aggressive than malware. ZDnet. Business Technology News.
- ^ VirusTotal. VirusTotal. Free file and URL scanner.